Which laptop should I chose for college and some gaming, why?
First I want to say is that I should be getting a laptop soon by January 2009. I will have only $1,700 in the bank by the 3rd of January. I hopefully will be starting college by then. I would preferably like to spend less than $1,000 for the laptop itself. I will only buy HP because I have experience with them and I like what they have to offer. Also they are at least the top if not #2 rank in high reviews for computers. As for their customer service it is decent. I use computers manly to surf the internet, do research, edit photos, word processor documents, downloads off the internet, Quicken for my finances, I tend to pull up multiple applications and multi task while online, regular instant messaging (IM) and as far as games go all I play at the moment is Flight Simulator X (FSX) besides the occasional online games on the internet like pop it (pogo.com). I may be interested in playing Dead Space and Fear 2 and have read the reviews on them. I enjoy playing fighter pilot games, do you have any to suggest? Links for both laptops are listed at the end. As well as all the software I will be purchasing to put on it. Yes I did the reviews for antivirus, internet security and spyware software. Extended HP warranty as well as printer and laptop carrying case are listed also. All prices include shipping and tax. There is a $266 difference between the total prices.
The first laptop is an HP dv6885se (Special Edition)
It is originally $1,150 at Best Buy but now as of December 2, 2008 it is $976.23 this includes shipping and tax. It is not available in stores and is now marked as an Outlet item. So I am not sure how much longer it will be available for. This laptop was made in 2007. So is this laptop considered old or new when I buy it? I have seen it in person a couple months ago at Best Buy on display and I cannot get over how much it stands out compared to just a plain old laptop. The color and designs etched into it are just amazing. I have read all the reviews on it and only found one bad remark all other reviews were very positive.
HP dv6885se specs
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (32-bit)
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8100 with Centrino (2.10 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Display 15.4″ WXGA high-definition widescreen LCD with BrightView technology (1280 x 800)
3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) Expandable up to 4GB
Hard Drive 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Graphics Card NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS 256MB (dedicated) up to 1535MB total available graphics memory
Networking Built-in 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN (with RJ-45 connector)
Wireless networking Built-in Intel WiFi PRO/Wireless 4965AGN network connection (802.11a/b/g/n)
Personalization HP Thrive Imprint high-gloss finish; backlit media control panel + Integrated Webcam + Microphone
Primary CD/DVD Drive Light Scribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
5-in-1 digital media reader supports Secure Digital, Multimedia Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card
Primary Battery 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Total cost including all extras = $1,333.75 ($1,334)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8779404&type=product&id=1204332257046
The Second laptop is a regular HP dv5t (customized)
Cost is $1,347.23 includes shipping and tax, buying from HP directly at HP.com
HP dv5t specs
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (32-bit)
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Display 15.4″ diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Hard Drive 250GB 5400RPM SATA with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Graphics Card NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT 512MB (dedicated) up to 1535MB total available graphics memory
Networking Built-in 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN (with RJ-45 connector)
Wireless networking Built-in Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card Intel R WiFi Link 5100AGN (802.11a/b/g/n)
Personalization Integrated Webcam + Microphone
Color Bronze
Primary CD/DVD Drive Light Scribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
5-in-1 digital media reader supports Secure Digital, Multimedia Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card
Primary Battery 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Total cost including all extras = $1,594.76 ($1,600)
Hp.com
Software to purchase includes (Internet security, antivirus, spyware, quicken deluxe and HP extended warranty.
Internet security – Antivirus
Bit Defender Internet Security 2009 (1 PC, 1 year) $39.95 no tax or s/h!
http://www.bitdefender.com
Spyware
Webroot Spy Sweeper – PC antispyware $31.86
Best buy
Quicken Deluxe 2008 $63.74
ALL store same price
1-year Accidental Damage Protection Extended Service Plan $109.99 no tax!
HP.com
Printer
HP Photosmart C4210 All-in-One Printer (print, copy, scan) $80.12
Walmart – ship site to store Free
Laptop carrying case
Ta
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:11 pm
buy a laptop for school first and find games it will run. I would recommend a quad core, 3gigs of RAM, a large 7200RPM hard drive, and the fastest wireless adapter made. build it for school and running fast then get games it will handle…
April 6th, 2009 at 2:52 am
Okay, so I work for a fairly major laptop site, and I have laptops coming across my desk everyday to benchmark them and crap.
I would absolutely go with the Dv5T. As soon as you save up enough money after getting it, stick another gig of RAM in there (so you have 4GB total), upgrade the hard drive to a 500GB 7200rpm, and you will be one happy camper.
April 7th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Personally, if you want to do gaming, don’t get a laptop. If you want it for school, don’t get a desktop. They are not necessarily mutually compatible, in more ways than one.
Personally, I’d get the second one, but don’t get webroot or an antivirus. There are free ones that work just as well if not better. Adaware, Spybot, AVG free are all good and free. Also, by the time January rolls around, the post-christmas sales are going to be going on. Check the market again around then. Better stuff will surely come along.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:01 am
hey buy anyone dont bother us……
April 12th, 2009 at 10:32 am
When you’re buying a laptop golden rule is to buy the best as its very hard to upgrade. I’d go for the second system. Has more processing grunt and a better graphics card.
Although you could save a bit by using avast antivirus, Comodo firewall and adaware.